Great Food and Atmosphere, but Disappointing Coffee
Union Cafe is conveniently located near the cruise port and offers a lovely vibe with excellent food. The relaxing atmosphere really stood out, making it an enjoyable place to spend time.
I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious my eggs were, and my friend’s dishes, as seen in the photos, looked and tasted fantastic as well. The food was definitely a highlight.
However, the coffee was a letdown. In my experience, coffee in New Zealand tends to be hit or miss, and unfortunately, this time it was a miss. The coffee was bitter and watery, so much so that I couldn’t finish it.
On the bright side, the outdoor seating area is cute and would be a great option if it’s not too cold.
Overall, Union Cafe is worth a visit for the food and atmosphere, but not a huge fan of the coffee.
Marina Streeck
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December 15, 2025
The food was nice enough, but the service was horrible. There were two young girls working that looked miserable the entire time and where on their phones a lot. I ordered a Chai Latte which was so watery I left half of it there.
Everything was being very badly washed by hand at a sink right behind the counter, with the result that I received a very dirty and somehow sticky spoon with my drink.
I was pleasantly surprised that the food tasted good, although the yolk was already all over the plate when I received it.
Mickle Manavalan Jose
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February 16, 2024
Beautiful view overlooking the port. The ambience inside is unique and can cater for larger crowds.
Coffee was excellent, probably one of the best I've had in Dunedin. There must've been a shortage of Caramel slice with the tiny pieces available, however it not lack in taste. Should've been $3.50 at the most.
My friend was disappointed that there was no cheese scone however, nonetheless he settled for a savoury scone which he said was great.
Hayley Young
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December 06, 2025
The food was awesome, however, the service was mediocre. There were two younger girls serving at the register, one on her phone the entire interaction and the other came across as quite rude. They paid more attention to talking to each other than providing service and didn’t seem like they even wanted to be there.
Karagiozis
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November 11, 2023
It's a great place, cafe interior could be refreshed but it's Dunedin and it maybe the look they want. Not much in the way of hiking and could walk around the Port if you wish. Many cafes and shops around. Depending on the time you can get excellent photography shots.
It's a nice place. Need to try restaurants next time and spend a little longer. I was working in a cafe for a bit .
Our Address
2 George Street, Port Chalmers, Dunedin 9023, New Zealand
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Great Food and Atmosphere, but Disappointing Coffee Union Cafe is conveniently located near the cruise port and offers a lovely vibe with excellent food. The relaxing atmosphere really stood out, making it an enjoyable place to spend time. I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious my eggs were, and my friend’s dishes, as seen in the photos, looked and tasted fantastic as well. The food was definitely a highlight. However, the coffee was a letdown. In my experience, coffee in New Zealand tends to be hit or miss, and unfortunately, this time it was a miss. The coffee was bitter and watery, so much so that I couldn’t finish it. On the bright side, the outdoor seating area is cute and would be a great option if it’s not too cold. Overall, Union Cafe is worth a visit for the food and atmosphere, but not a huge fan of the coffee.
The food was nice enough, but the service was horrible. There were two young girls working that looked miserable the entire time and where on their phones a lot. I ordered a Chai Latte which was so watery I left half of it there. Everything was being very badly washed by hand at a sink right behind the counter, with the result that I received a very dirty and somehow sticky spoon with my drink. I was pleasantly surprised that the food tasted good, although the yolk was already all over the plate when I received it.
Beautiful view overlooking the port. The ambience inside is unique and can cater for larger crowds. Coffee was excellent, probably one of the best I've had in Dunedin. There must've been a shortage of Caramel slice with the tiny pieces available, however it not lack in taste. Should've been $3.50 at the most. My friend was disappointed that there was no cheese scone however, nonetheless he settled for a savoury scone which he said was great.
The food was awesome, however, the service was mediocre. There were two younger girls serving at the register, one on her phone the entire interaction and the other came across as quite rude. They paid more attention to talking to each other than providing service and didn’t seem like they even wanted to be there.
It's a great place, cafe interior could be refreshed but it's Dunedin and it maybe the look they want. Not much in the way of hiking and could walk around the Port if you wish. Many cafes and shops around. Depending on the time you can get excellent photography shots. It's a nice place. Need to try restaurants next time and spend a little longer. I was working in a cafe for a bit .